Rules are rules

There are rules that really have to be strictly followed, no matter what. Case in point is the recent attempted robbery at a Robinson's Supermarket at Rosario, Pasig. A former security guard, along with three companions, asked to be allowed to enter the premises. He was allowed to do so, along with the three companions. They then proceeded to the main office where the robbery was announced. With four employees in tow, the culprits were about to go somewhere when one of the employees started to fight back. The former guard's companions then opened fire upon the employees, killing three of them. A security guard managed to hit the former guard with a pipe several times, leading to his death, but his three unknown companions escaped. Nothing was taken, but four people were left dead. I just hope the CCTV cameras did their job.

I can understand if a former employee is allowed to enter restricted places, because he has friends inside, even if that in itself is already forbidden. But allowing his three other companions inside? That should have raised flags right away. But because we tend to be complacent, especially when dealing with acquaintances, they were allowed to do so. It's just the Filipino nature that prevails. This is my point. If only the rules were enforced, and not compromised even by friendship, then the robbery would not have taken place, there wouldn't be three innocent lives wasted. I couldn't care less about the former security guard. Inside job? Highly probable which is why the person who allowed the former guard along with his three companions to enter must be investigated.

Not only do these rules work for business establishments but for households as well. No strangers must be allowed to enter one's house without permission. And the household help should not assume that it is okay to have visitors come in, without the expressed permission from the employers. Even that must be exercised with caution. We have heard of many incidents where a former maid comes back, with companions, to rob the place. They seek employment, only to learn the movements and patterns of the household. When they have all the information they need, they resign, and strike when the time is right. Which is why I would rather be an extremely strict household employer than a sorry one. I take pictures of the household help and get all their personal information. If they do anything criminal, they can be traced or at least the police have a record.

Familiarity and complacency are ingredients for a disaster, whether in the household or in business. Rules must be strictly implemented, for the good and safety of everyone. Criminals have evolved. They stake out, they plan, they execute. The days when they would just barge in and commit their crimes are few and far between. So we too must evolve with that. We follow rules, period.

And a lot of common sense thrown in as well.